N68.7m Theft In NBC: Court Adjourns Manager’s Trial Till Nov. 18

Written By Paul Ladi, Lagos

The trial of a former manager with Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC), bottlers of Coca-cola beverages, Mr. Olubusoye Abayomi Adedeji, who is charged before a Lagos Chief Magistrates’ Court, sitting at Ebute Metta, on alleged theft of N68.7 million, has been adjourned till November 18.

The trial which was initially fixed for Wednesday, September 9, was adjourned to the new date due to the absence of the presiding Chief Magistrate, Mrs. O.I. Adelaja, who is said to be on annual vacation.

As at the last adjourned date, the matter was adjourned due to the absence of the star witness, who was to testify in the matter.

Abayomi, a former Plant/Logistics of Nigerian Bottling Company, NBC, bottlers of Coca cola beverages, is facing charges bordering on alleged stealing of the sum of N68. 703, 480 million, from the company’s coffer.

The accused who is in 40s, was charged before the court by Men of Department of Criminal Investigation of Lagos State, Police Command, Panti-Yaba, of Lagos, on a two count charge of conspiracy and stealing.

The police alleged that the accused and others now at large, used his capacity as Plant/Logistics Manager of Nigeria Bottling Company, and committed the alleged financial crime between June 2011 and June 2014.

The offences according to the prosecutor, Inspector Richard Odigie are punishable under sections 409 and 285(7) of the criminal laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2012.

A police source stated that the heinous act was revealed after a forensic audit was conducted on the company’s account.

And that following the sterling revelation of fraud, the police source said the accused was handed over to the police by the beverages company’s management for prosecution.

The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges upon his arraignment on April 9, and was consequently admitted to bail in the sum of N2m with one surety in the same sum by Adelaja.

Count one against the accused reads; “that you Olubusoye Abayomi Ayodeji, 40, and other now at large, between the month of June 2011, and June 2014, at Nigerian Bottling Company, Iddo House, Lagos, in the Lagos magisterial district, did conspired amongst yourselves to commit felony to wit; stealing and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 409 of the criminal laws if Lagos state of Nigeria, 2012.”

While count two reads; “that you Olubusoye Abayomi Ayodeji, on the same date, time and place, in the aforesaid magisterial district, while in the employment of NBC limited as Acting Plant Manager/Logistic Manager, at Apapa, did steal conspired steal the sum of N68, 703, 480 million, property of NBC Limited, and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 285 (7) of the criminal laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2012.

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